Home internet is a necessity in this day and age of advanced technology. With home internet, you can freely use your electronic devices like smartphones, computers, and tablets to communicate with family and friends, surf the internet, play online games, download media, work from home, etc. So how does the internet work in Japan? And how do you get internet access in Japan?
This article is focused on home internet, we have a separate article for SIM card and pocket wi-fi for travellers here.
Table of Content
- How to Get Home Internet in Japan
- 3 Types of Home Internet in Japan
- Things to Know Before Choosing Your Internet in Japan
- Summary
How to Get Home Internet in Japan
It really depends on your home. In Japan, internet lines (回線 kaisen) installations and internet service providers are separate companies. If your home does not have an existing internet line, then you will need to sign a contract with both a line provider to lay the lines, and an internet service provider to provide the internet connection.
Find a Place that is Internet-Ready or Comes with Internet
The most convenient way to get home internet in Japan is finding a place that has an internet connection from the start. You can check this on the property’s listing, or if going through a real estate agent then set it as a criteria.
Internet-ready properties (インターネット対応物件) are those that have already completed the necessary internet network cable installations. You can choose an internet provider company and network plan that you like, then sign a contract to get internet. If you need internet access as soon as you move in, then complete the contract in time for your move-in date. In many cases, the real estate company will have a recommended network provider. If you want to get internet access with no hassle, then you can go through the real estate company who will guide you through the contracting and payment process.
There are also places that come with internet access called internet-equipped properties (インターネット完備物件). This means that both the cable installation and network provider contract are completed, so you can use the internet as soon as you move in. The internet username and password will be given to you by the real estate company when you collect the keys. There is no procedure that you need to go through, but the internet fees may be included with the rent so check before moving in.
Get Permission to Install Internet Lines
If your home is neither an internet-ready or internet-equipped property, then you need to receive permission from the landlord or property management company to install internet lines. It will take some time before you have internet access as there are many things to do, such as checking which internet lines can be used and getting permission for the installation. Further, there are some properties that cannot have internet lines installed
If the installation requires causing some damage to the property, such as drilling holes in the war or affixing screws, the landlord or property manager may not allow it. Never start installation works without receiving prior permission, it will lead to many problems.
After the installation of network cables is complete, then the process is the same as internet-ready properties. Find a network provider, sign-up and you will have home internet.
Home Router or Pocket Wi-Fi as Alternatives
Cannot get permission to install network cables? No fear, there are alternatives to getting internet access in your home. Home routers and pocket wifi, which do not require internet lines, can be used in properties that do not allow line installation. Pocket wifi is portable and can be used not only at home, but also outside and is recommended for those who want to use fast internet at home and on the go.
If you are using home internet, be aware of the costs. Home internet tends to be more expensive if you install a fibre optic line or install a wifi connection in your home. If you find it too expensive, compare internet plans between providers and switch to a cheaper better plan.
Writer's Pick
3 Types of Home Internet in Japan
There are 3 types of home internet options in Japan, each with its own pros and cons. Choose the right type and plan for yourself based on your internet usage.
Fibre Optic Line (光回線 hikari kaisen)
Fibre-optic lines are the fastest and most stable internet connection available at home. Even when using multiple gadgets such as smartphones, computers, and game consoles at the same time, the internet speed will barely drop making it good for families and gamers. There is no limit to usage so it is recommended for those who use the internet very frequently on a daily basis.
Line installation is necessary in order to use fibre-optic internet connection. Therefore, it takes time before you can use the internet, and you need permission to do installation works on the property.
If you want to sign up for fibre-optic internet, we recommend finding a property that has the lines pre-installed, or pick a place that allows installation works to be carried out.
Home Router (ホームルーター)
A home router provides internet connection without installing lines, similar in function to a pocket wifi. Like fibre-optic lines, many have unlimited data usage and can connect multiple devices at the same time. They are less susceptible to obstructions and can be used even in detached houses. However, it is not portable because it is powered from an electrical outlet and needs to be plugged in when used.
Home routers are recommended for people who cannot get installation works done in their home. It can also be used immediately without waiting. If you do not want to wait until internet lines are installed, or just to avoid the hassle of it, consider signing up for a home router.
Mobile Wi-Fi / Pocket W-Fi (モバイル型Wi‐Fiルーター)
A mobile Wi-Fi or pocket Wi-Fi provides internet connection whilst on the go. Of course, you can use it for home internet too. It can be used anywhere as long as a signal can be received. Since it is an internet line that can be used without installation work, it is recommended for those who want internet without hassle and frequently need internet whilst on the move. The internet speed is slower than fibre-optic internet, but this is not a problem for watching videos, checking emails, browsing the internet, and other regular functions.
The internet speed for mobile wi-fi depends on signal conditions. It cannot be used in places that have no signal. Also, since it is powered by battery, once the power runs out you cannot use it until recharged. If you plan to use it the whole day at home, then a home router would be a better choice.
Things to Know Before Choosing Your Internet Plan
When deciding what internet service to get at home, it is important to choose one based on your internet usage. Here, we introduce the important points to consider when selecting an internet service.
Cost of Internet in Japan
The monthly charge for the internet depends on the type of internet you have (refer to the types above).
- Fibre Optic Internet : 1,000 ~ 5,000 yen a month
- Home Router & Mobile Wi-Fi : 3,000 ~ 6,000 yen a month
For fiber-optic internet, the monthly fee is around 1,000 to 5,000 yen. Some line providers offer cashback and smartphone discounts, so if you make good use of them, you can save on communication costs. If the price is extremely low, there is a chance that internet speed may be slow and not much customer support is provided, so be sure to check beforehand. Note that this is the monthly cost for internet service, not the line installation costs.
For home routers and mobile Wi-Fi, the monthly fee is around 3,000 to 6,000 yen. Keep in mind that the monthly charge tends to be higher than that of fibre-optic internet connection because there are no installation costs.
Internet Speed
Download speed is important for comfortable internet use at home. A speed of 10 Mbps is recommended for web surfing and social media use, and 25 Mbps or higher for watching videos smoothly. If you want to play online games, sign-up for an internet connection with speeds of 100 Mbps or higher.
Optical network, home router, and mobile Wi-Fi all disclose internet speeds for downloading and uploading. If you are concerned about internet speed, check in advance.
Optional Services
As there are a large number of internet service providers in Japan, each company offers various optional services to differentiate themselves. There are plenty of options such as cashback, discounts on phone bills, security measures, and TV services. If something they are offering suits your lifestyle, you may want to take advantage of it. Note that additional charges are usually incurred when subscribing to an option.
Installation Works
Whether there is a need for installation works is also an important point to check. If the property is not internet-ready, you will not be able to use fibre-optic internet until the lines are installed. As we mentioned, you will also need permission from the landlord or property management company before any construction, and there is no guarantee that you will receive permission. Moreover, you will need to be present on the day of installation, so not only does it cost money but time. Additionally, it can take more than a month from application to installation, so it is not suitable for those who want to use the internet immediately.
If you are not particular about having fibre-optic internet, consider home router or pocket Wi-Fi that does not require any installation work.
Summary
Want home internet in Japan? You have 3 options from fibre-optic line, home router and mobile/pocket wi-fi. When choosing which to get, the important points to consider are internet speed, price, optional services, and installation works. There are pros and cons to each type of home internet, so consider carefully and pick based on your needs.
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